Connecting those advancing accountability, campus climate, and equity.
Connecting those advancing accountability, campus climate, and equity.
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Happy January 2022! As we return to campus amid what is shaping up to be another unusual semester, we would like to remind you to practice self-care and compassion. The greatest gift you can give is kindness, even to yourself! Please remember to protect Aggieland, practice physical distancing, test on a regular basis, and follow the Texas A&M COVID-19 official guidance.

Please explore the January edition of our newsletter to learn more about the engaging opportunities in our campus community. We feature the Enhancing Diversity Series Symposium keynote address and moderated conversation with Annette Gordan-Reed, historian and Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard, the upcoming Diversity Gallery, and the outstanding Juneteenth: The Galveston Story Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion with producers Sam Collins '93 and Sam Addington '20.
Meet the exceptional Office for Diversity new employees. Get to know Ms. Vanessa Garcia '24, student assistant, and Mr. Manas Gokhale '23, graduate assistant. Finally, please take a moment to explore our calendar to find events and professional development opportunities.

ADVANCING ACCOUNTABILITY, CAMPUS CLIMATE, AND EQUITY

2022 Diversity Gallery
Working to advance the Diversity Plan goals of accountability, campus climate, and equity, the annual Diversity Plan Accountability Reports help to assess progress and challenges at the college, division, and department level. In the spirit of candidness and transparency, university leadership provides summaries of the annual reports to the campus and community. The 2022 Diversity Gallery will be held on February 10, 2022, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm CT. The gallery has been transitioned to a virtual event. The event will include opening remarks, brief presentations, poster presentations featuring 2021 Diversity Plan Accountability Report summaries, and closing remarks. The gallery will showcase the amazing diversity and inclusion work taking place in the colleges and administrative units at Texas A&M University. The campus and community are invited. Registration closes on February 8, 2022, at 5:00 pm CT. Register here. View the posters from the inaugural Diversity Gallery held on February 11, 2020.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. image and quote
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy and his efforts in advocating to end racial segregation and promote racial equality. Visit The King Center to learn more about this influential activist.

ADVANCING EXCEPTIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Towards a More Inclusive History with Annette Gordan-Reed
The Enhancing Diversity Seminars are designed to engage the campus community in dialogue around topics and issues related to diversity, campus climate, equity, and inclusion. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome and encouraged to participate.
The Enhancing Diversity Seminar Series Symposium virtual program will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 12:00 pm CT. The event will include a keynote address and moderated conversation with Annette Gordan-Reed, historian... 
Sam Collins and Sam Addington
Sam Collins '93   Sam Addington '20

ADVANCING CLIMATE AND EXCEPTIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Juneteenth: The Galveston Story Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion with Producers
Juneteenth: The Galveston Story Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion with Producers will be held virtually on Monday, February 21, 2022, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm CT. Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas. Hear the stories as told by some of the family members of the people who were there in 1865, along with others. Learn what role they played in the shaping of Galveston and Texas history. The panel discussion following the screening will be led by producers Sam Collins '93, Wild Lion Production and Sam Addington '20, Sam Addington Media Productions. View the documentary trailer to learn more about the film. Please join us and register for the event. Registration closes on February 19, 2022, at 5:00 pm CT. 

OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to The Office for Diversity

The Office for Diversity has hired Ms. Vanessa Garcia '24, Student Assistant and Mr. Manas Gokhale '23, Graduate Assistant at Texas A&M University. 

Ms. Vanessa Garcia '24

Student Assistant
Vanessa Garcia ‘24 is a first-generation undergraduate student at the School of Public Health. She is originally from Denver, Colorado, and moved to South Texas when she was 13 years old. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and attend an accelerated nursing program to receive a second Bachelor's degree in Nursing. From there she plans to work as a registered nurse to save up to go back to school and receive a Ph.D. in Public Health. She is passionate about closing the gaps of inequity within the healthcare system and plans to do research on healthcare interventions that could help low-income families receive proper healthcare resources and health education. She is currently a part of a public health research team that is focused on how gardening interventions could be used to improve the mental health of aging populations. Additionally, she is an active member of Aggie Elevate, a peer education-based organization aimed at helping the student population on a wide range of health topics.

Mr. Manas Gokhale '23

Graduate Assistant
Manas Gokhale '23 is a first-year student at Mays Business School pursuing a master’s degree in Management Information Systems. Originally from Mumbai, India, Manas holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai. After graduation, he plans to work in the technical consulting industry and wishes to focus on the analytics domain. He's extremely passionate about science and technology and wishes to utilize technology and data to ensure that the campus is a safe and welcoming environment for people from all walks of life.

Calendar of Events

International Day of Education graphic Human Library National Salvery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Send February events to Crystal Carter at c.carter@tamu.edu by January 31 for consideration in the February newsletter.

In The News

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Martin Luther King Jr. delivers speech to a crowd on May 17, 1967 - Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Texas A&M has issued COVID-19 guidance to enhance the safety of those returning to campus. Free testing is available for all students, faculty, and staff who have symptoms or have been in close contact with known or suspected cases. The tests provided through this program are mouth swab tests that do not require assistance. More information can be found at the Student Health Services website.

Texas A&M University
Office for Diversity
Jack K. Williams Administration Building
1360 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-1360
Phone: (979) 458-2905
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